Ida M. Novak

Ida Novak, age 85, passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD. She was born on March 13, 1939, to William and Catherine (Mayer) Penn in Olivet, South Dakota.

Memorial service will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 11 AM, with visitation starting at 10 AM, all at Miller Funeral Home Southside Chapel, 7400 S. Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD. Interment will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11 AM at Hills of Rest Cemetery.

Ida grew up in Olivet, South Dakota, where she met the love of her life, Richard Novak. They were united in marriage on August 6, 1956.  They were blessed with three children: Deborah, Robert, and Craig. In 1965, Ida and Richard started a company called Novak Sanitation, which they built into a successful business in the Sioux Falls area. Ida managed the books and handled various aspects of the business.

Both Ida and Richard loved to bowl. She participated in 39 national bowling tournaments and achieved two perfect games. They would often attend the VFW on Saturday nights to dance, and Ida was a member of the Moose Lodge and St. Michael Parish. She enjoyed playing cards, visiting Las Vegas, traveling, gardening, and, most importantly, spending time with her family and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed.

Grateful to have shared her life are her children, Deborah (Roger) Oliphant, Robert (Cathryn) Novak, Craig (LeAnn) Novak; sister, Moveda (Doyle) Busby; grandchildren, Chad, Eric (Katy), Ashlee (John), Nikki (Jared), and Riley; great-grandchildren, Natalie, Maverick, Dax, Adi, and Maddox; step-grandchildren, Jeffry (Chris), and Josh (Raven); step great- great-grandchildren, Zane, Grace, Harper, and Donnie. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Novak; and step-grandchild, Jason.